Indira Gandhi Vidhwa Pension Yojana
The Govt. of India has launched a pension scheme for widows in 2009 by the name of Indira Gandhi Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) or commonly called Vidhwa Pension Yojana, under the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP).
Widows, in many parts of India face many problems be it victim of social unacceptance and violence, economic problems, etc. In today’s world also they were sometimes not given their proper rights and respect. Often they are caught up in land property troubles and are not given proper share of the property of their dead husband. They are not accepted in the houses of their in laws as well as their own father’s house.
They are tagged as burden to the family and the society. After their husband’s death they become economically insecure. They do not have much scope to employment opportunities. They cannot give good education and upbringing for their children. Some are forced to prostitution. Some become refugees in some ashram or temple to survive.
So Govt. of India has come up with a pension plan for the widows of India named Vidhwa Pension Yojana. This scheme is for providing pension to the poor Indian widows who are registered as BPL (below poverty line) members. According to the current structure of the pension plan, the widows under poverty line from 40 to 64 years will get monthly pension of Rs. 300.
And after attaining the age of 80 years, the Govt. will raise the pension to Rs. 500 per month. The pension amount will be credited either in bank account of the widow if available or electronic money order. Otherwise, she can collect the same from the post office. The lower level authorities like Gram Panchayats, Zilla Parishads and Municipalities will play a major role in identifying the widows under the BPL and getting them registered with the scheme.
The entire process is kept very simple and user friendly. This widow pension scheme will get terminated in two cases. One if the widow gets married again and another if widow goes above the poverty line. Once registered, each pension holder will get one pension passbook which will have details about the disbursements made.
The Central Govt. is trying its best to keep the entire process fraud free and transparent. It is also trying to converge the members of this pension scheme with other NSAP schemes like National Family Benefit Scheme, Annapurna scheme, etc.
Other Schemes